A mammoth-sized new national park is being created in Western Sydney. Meet Gulguer National Park.
The trouble with green space is that it becomes most valuable just after someone decides it would make an excellent housing estate. Gulguer National Park, a new nature reserve being created by the Minns Labor Government, is an increasingly rare case of land being valued for what it is, rather than what it could become.
The new national park sits west of Bringelly in Western Sydney and comprises an impressive 1100 hectares of bushland – that’s roughly the size of 1500 football (soccer) fields. The goal? Deliver a destination blending recreation, environmental conservation and Aboriginal heritage on the city’s growing western fringe.
Set to open within the next six months, Gulguer National Park will be an affordable natural playground for relaxing and appreciating local beauty. Walkers, wildlife photographers, families and mountain bikers are all counting it as a major win, along with nature lovers simply looking for room to breathe.
The reserve is arriving at a time when Western Sydney is undergoing rapid transformation, with major infrastructure projects like Western Sydney International Airport bringing new attention to the need for balanced growth.
Where is Gulguer National Park?
A section of the land proposed for restoration within Gulguer National Park.
Located in Western Sydney, the park is just a few kilometres west of Bringelly, near Greendale, and around a 40-minute drive from Liverpool. It will add roughly 700 hectares of new land to the existing environmentally protected areas at Bents Basin State Conservation Area and Gulguer Nature Reserve, spanning a total of 1100 hectares.
Why is it being created?
A place of Aboriginal heritage and for reconnecting with nature.
The Minns Labor Government is establishing Gulguer National Park for several reasons: to protect threatened wildlife species, preserve significant Aboriginal cultural artefacts and provide Sydneysiders with an expansive new space to reconnect with nature.
The reserve will safeguard important natural habitat for at least 28 threatened species, including the southern greater glider, powerful owl, giant burrowing frog, eastern coastal free-tailed bat and Cumberland and Dural land snails. In addition, it will provide greater protection for the critically endangered Shale Sandstone Transition Forest and Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest.
“It is part of our ongoing commitment to boost conservation in Western Sydney, to ensure our precious native creatures and plants exist here for generations to come," says Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe.
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The national park will protect the habitats of species such as the powerful owl.
Admire native Australian plants such as the mountain devil flower.
Named after the Nepean River – a body of water spiritually significant for the Darug, Gandangara and other traditional owners of the Hawkesbury-Nepean basin –the park will also preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage sites including rock art, artefacts and shelters.
Beyond environmental and cultural preservation, Prue Car, Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney, says the park will create affordable and convenient opportunities for local residents to access green spaces.
“For too long, families in Western Sydney have missed out on access to outdoor spaces that other parts of the city take for granted," Car says.
“At a time when families are under pressure, this new National Park will give locals a world-class destination right in their own backyard."
When will Gulguer National Park open?
Remnant mature trees from cleared paddocks will provide a seed bank for rehabilitation.
According to the NSW government, Gulguer National Park is set to open in the next six months. If all goes to plan, that means full public access and new visitor facilities will be rolled out in early 2027.
There is no shortage of advice imploring us to spend more time in nature. Doctors prescribe it. Psychologists endorse it. Smartwatches guilt us towards it. The difficult part is actually finding somewhere close to home large enough to disappear into – yet Gulguer National Park promises exactly that.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or hunting down Sydney's cosiest cafes.
Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.
Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.
1. Nights come to life
Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.
2. A thriving arts and culture scene
Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.
For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.
4. Diverse food offerings
Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.
Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.
Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.
5. Alternative lifestyles reign
Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)
This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.
6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep
Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.
7. Boutique stays
Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)
Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridgesecluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.
8. Form community connections
Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)
If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.
